Microplastics pollution has attracted worldwide attention. Compared with the status quo of microplastics pollution in marine environment and other major rivers and lakes, the relevant data of the Yellow River basin is relatively inadequate. The abundance, types, and spatial distribution characteristics of microplastic pollution in the sediments and surface water of the Yellow River basin were reviewed. Meanwhile, the status of microplastic pollution in the national central city and Yellow River Delta wetland was discussed, and the corresponding prevention and control measures were put forward. The results showed that the spatial distribution of microplastics pollution in sediments and surface water of the Yellow River basin increased from upstream to downstream, especially in the Yellow River Delta wetland. There are obvious differences between the types of microplastics in sediment and surface water in the Yellow River basin, which is mainly related to the materials of microplastics. Compared with similar regions in China, the microplastics pollution levels in national key cities and national wetland parks in the Yellow River basin are in the medium to high degree, which should be taken seriously. Plastics exposure through various ways will cause serious impact on aquaculture and human health in the Yellow River beach area. To control microplastic pollution in the Yellow River basin, it is necessary to improve the relevant production standards, laws and regulations, and improve the capacity of biodegradable microplastics and the degradation capacity of plastic wastes.
Humans ; Microplastics ; Plastics ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis* ; Environmental Monitoring/methods* ; Water ; China

In order to solve the problem of weak correlation between quality control components and efficacy of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, this study detected the interaction between small molecular chemical components of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and total proteins of various organs of mice by fluorescence quenching method to screen potential active components. The 27 chemical components in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were detected by HPLC and their deletion rates in 34 batches of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were calculated. Combined with the principle of component effectiveness and measurability, the potential quality markers(Q-markers) of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were screened. RAW264.7 macrophage injury model was induced by microplastics. The cell viability and nitric oxide content were detected by CCK-8 and Griess methods. The levels of inflammatory factors(TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CRP) and oxidative stress markers(SOD, MDA, GSH) were detected by the ELISA method to verify the activity of Q-markers. It was found that the interaction strength between different chemical components and organ proteins in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma was different, reflecting different organ selectivity and 18 active components were screened out. Combined with the signal-to-noise ratio of the HPLC chromatographic peaks and between-run stability of the components, seven chemical components such as liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin and ammonium glycyrrhizinate were finally screened as potential Q-markers of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. In vitro experiments showed that Q-markers of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma could dose-dependently alleviate RAW264.7 cell damage induced by microplastics, inhibit the secretion of inflammatory factors, and reduce oxidative stress. Under the same total dose, the combination of various chemical components could synergistically enhance anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects compared with the single use. This study identified Q-markers related to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, which can provide a reference for improving the quality control standards of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.
Mice ; Animals ; Antioxidants/analysis* ; Microplastics/analysis* ; Plastics/analysis* ; Rhizome/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis* ; Glycyrrhiza/chemistry* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/analysis*

The development of breast implant technology continues to evolve over time, but changes in breast shape after implantation have not been fully elucidated. Thus, we performed computerized finite element analysis in order to better understand the trajectory of changes and stress variation after breast implantation. The finite element analysis of changes in breast shape involved two components: a static analysis of the position where the implant is inserted, and a dynamic analysis of the downward pressure applied in the direction of gravity during physical activity. Through this finite element analysis, in terms of extrinsic changes, it was found that the dimensions of the breast implant and the position of the top-point did not directly correspond to the trajectory of changes in the breast after implantation. In addition, in terms of internal changes, static and dynamic analysis showed that implants with a lower top-point led to an increased amount of stress applied to the lower thorax. The maximum stress values were 1.6 to 2 times larger in the dynamic analysis than in the static analysis. This finding has important implications for plastic surgeons who are concerned with long-term changes or side effects, such as bottoming-out, after anatomic implant placement.
Breast Implantation ; Breast Implants ; Breast ; Computer Simulation ; Female ; Finite Element Analysis ; Gravitation ; Mammaplasty ; Motor Activity ; Plastics ; Surgeons ; Thorax

BACKGROUND/AIMS: For the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction, endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) has been widely accepted as a standard procedure. However, post-ERBD complications can affect the lives of patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the predictive factors for these complications, including the patient’s status, cancer status, and stent type.METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis conducted in a single tertiary hospital from January 2007 to July 2017. The following variables were evaluated: sex, age, body mass index, cancer type, history of pancreatitis, gallbladder stone, previous biliary stenting, precut papillotomy, stent type, contrast injection into the pancreatic duct or gallbladder, cystic duct invasion by the tumor, and occlusion of the cystic duct orifice by a metal stent.RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that contrast injection into the pancreatic duct was a risk factor for pancreatitis. Patients with a history of bile drainage showed a lower risk of pancreatitis. For cholecystitis, the analysis revealed contrast injection into the gallbladder and cystic duct invasion by the tumor as important predictive factors. Metal stents showed a greater risk of post-procedure pancreatitis than plastic stents, but did not affect the incidence of cholecystitis.CONCLUSIONS: Considering that contrast injection is the most important factor for both complications, a careful approach by the physician is essential in preventing the occurrence of any complications. Further, choosing the type of stent is an important factor for patients at a risk of post-procedure pancreatitis.
Bile ; Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic ; Body Mass Index ; Cholecystitis ; Cystic Duct ; Drainage ; Gallbladder ; Humans ; Incidence ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreatitis ; Plastics ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Stents ; Tertiary Care Centers

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the stress distribution in Locator attachments in mandibular two-implant overdentures according to implant locations and different loading conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four three-dimensional finite element models were created, simulating two osseointegrated implants in the mandible to support two Locator attachments and an overdenture. The models simulated an overdenture with implants located in the position of the level of lateral incisors, canines, second premolars, and crossed implant. A 150 N vertical unilateral and bilateral load was applied at different locations and 40 N was also applied when combined with anterior load at the midline. Data for von Mises stresses in the abutment (matrix) of the attachment and the plastic insert (patrix) of the attachment were produced numerically, color-coded, and compared between the models for attachments and loading conditions. RESULTS: Regardless of the load, the greatest stress values were recorded in the overdenture attachments with implants at lateral incisor locations. In all models and load conditions, the attachment abutment (matrix) withstood a much greater stress than the insert plastic (patrix). Regardless of the model, when a unilateral load was applied, the load side Locator attachments recorded a much higher stress compared to the contralateral side. However, with load bilateral posterior alone or combined at midline load, the stress distribution was more symmetrical. The stress is distributed primarily in the occlusal and lateral surface of the insert plastic patrix and threadless area of the abutment (matrix). CONCLUSION: The overdenture model with lateral incisor level implants is the worst design in terms of biomechanical environment for the attachment components. The bilateral load in general favors a more uniform stress distribution in both attachments compared to a much greater stress registered with unilateral load in the load side attachments. Regardless of the implant positions and the occlusal load application site, the stress transferred to the insert plastic is much lower than that registered in the abutment.
Bicuspid ; Clothing ; Denture, Overlay* ; Finite Element Analysis ; Incisor ; Mandible ; Plastics

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to measure and compare the facial dimensions of the Miss Korea pageant contestants and a selected group of women from the general population by using three-dimensional (3D) image analysis, as well as to compare various facial ratios to the golden ratio within each group. METHODS: Three-dimensional images of 52 Miss Korea pageant contestants (MK group) and 41 young female adults selected from the general population (GP group) were acquired. Fifty-four variables and ratios were measured and calculated. Intergroup comparisons were performed using multivariate analysis of variance. RESULTS: Compared to the GP group, the MK group showed greater total facial height and eye width, lesser lower-facial height, and lesser facial, lower-facial, and nasal widths. Moreover, compared to the GP group, the MK group had more protruded noses with greater nasolabial angle, greater vertical curvature of the foreheads, lesser horizontal curvature of the cheek, and lesser lower-lip-and-chin volume. CONCLUSIONS: The MK group had longer faces but smaller lower lips and chins than did the GP group. The golden ratio was not matching the current facial esthetic standards. These data might be beneficial for treatment planning of patients undergoing orthognathic and plastic surgeries.
Adult ; Cheek ; Chin ; Esthetics* ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Korea* ; Lip ; Multivariate Analysis ; Nose ; Plastics

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the depth of cure of resin composite cured by light through a translucent fiber post. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The opaque plastic tubes in various lengths of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 mm. were filled with resin composite in which two different translucent fiber posts were inserted into the center and photo-polymerized for 40 seconds. The degree of conversion of the cured composite at bottom surface were examined using Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection spectrometer (FTIR/ATR) at 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mm apart from the post surface. RESULTS: The degree of conversion of the 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm apart from the post surface was highest at the 2 mm level and continuously decreased when the distance from the light source was increased and drastically decreased when the depth from the top of the post was greater than 4-6 mm. For each level, the highest degree of conversion was at 0.1 mm from the post surface and decreased continuously when the distance apart from the post surface was increased. CONCLUSION: The quantity of light transmission depends on the type of post and the light transmission capability of the post, especially after 4-6 mm depth and the area further apart from the post surface, are insufficient for clinical light activation of resin composite.
Fourier Analysis ; Plastics

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Genes associated with the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) plasticity region may play a role in the pathogenesis of H. pylori. We compared the genes jhp0940, jhp0947, and jhp0986 in H. pylori isolates from patients with different gastroduodenal diseases and in different age groups. METHODS: The H. pylori hyperplasticity region genes jhp0940, jhp0947, and jhp0986 were studied by PCR. We also evaluated whether these genes were related to the cytotoxin-associated gene (cagA) and histology findings. RESULTS: Of the patient cohort, 71 (62%) were positive for jhp0940, 67 (59%) for jhp0947, 12 (10%) for jhp0986, and 69 (60%) for cagA. jhp0940 (n=18, 67%) and jhp0947 (n=23, 85%) were found more frequently in duodenal ulcer (DU) patients than in gastritis patients (n=14, 39%; p=0.029 and p<0.001, respectively). Gastric ulcer (GU) was more frequently associated with jhp0940 (17 patients, 77%; p=0.003) than with gastritis (14 patients, 39%). Gastric carcinoma (GC) was more strongly associated with both jhp0940 (22 patients, 76%; p=0.003) and jhp0947 (22 patients, 76%; p=0.003) than was gastritis (14 patients, 39%). jhp0947 was more frequently associated with chronic active inflammation (58 patients, 87%; p=0.009) than with chronic inflammation (9 patients, 13%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that jhp0947 was associated with DU (odds ratio, 6.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.87-20). CONCLUSIONS: The genes jhp0947 and jhp0940 were identified in H. pylori isolates from patients with GC and DU, while jhp0940 was also isolated from patients with GU. jhp0947 was independently associated with DU.
Cohort Studies ; Duodenal Ulcer ; Gastritis ; Helicobacter ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Multivariate Analysis ; Plastics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Stomach Ulcer

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate clinical validity of a zirconia full-coverage crown by comparing zirconia's wear capacity over antagonistic teeth with that of feldspathic dental porcelain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subject groups were divided into three groups: the polished feldspathic dental porcelain group (Group 1), the polished zirconia group (Group 2), and the polished zirconia with glazing group (Group 3). Twenty specimens were prepared from each group. Each procedure such as plasticity, condensation, and glazing was conducted according to the manufacturer's manual. A wear test was conducted with 240,000 chewing cycles using a dual-axis chewing simulator. The degree of wear of the antagonistic teeth was calculated by measuring the volume loss using a three-dimensional profiling system and ANSUR 3D software. The statistical significance of the measured degree of wear was tested with a significant level of 5% using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey test. RESULTS: The degrees of wear of the antagonistic teeth were 0.119 +/- 0.059 mm3 in Group 1, 0.078 +/- 0.063 mm3 in Group 3, and 0.031 +/- 0.033 mm3 in Group 2. Statistical significance was found between Group 1 and Groups 2 and between Group 2 and 3, whereas no statistical significance was found between Group 1 and Group 3. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of this study on the evaluation of antagonistic teeth wear, the degree of antagonistic tooth wear was less in zirconia than feldspathic dental porcelain, representing that the zirconia may be more beneficial in terms of antagonistic tooth wear.
Analysis of Variance ; Ceramics ; Crowns ; Dental Porcelain ; Mastication ; Plastics ; Tooth ; Tooth Wear ; Zirconium

OBJECTIVESTo study the migration of melamine into foods from plastic food packaging materials and dairy product containers commonly used in China.

METHODS37 samples were collected from the market. The EU migration testing conditions were adopted with distilled water, 3% acetic acid, n-hexane and 15% ethanol being chosen as the simulating solutions. The HPLC method was used to detect melamine.

RESULTSNo melamine was detected in 15 dairy product containers. Among the 22 plastic samples, 16 of polypropylene, and polycarbonate types had no detectable amount melamine while a low level of melamine was found in 3 of the 6 melamine resin containers.

CONCLUSIONMigration of melamine from food packaging materials in China market is in line with the requirements of EU.

Animals ; Cattle ; China ; Dairy Products ; Diffusion ; Food Analysis ; Food Contamination ; Food Packaging ; Milk ; Plastics ; chemistry ; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet ; Triazines ; chemistry